Can you feel the weight of history here at the Theodor-Heuss-Kaserne? This military installation in Stuttgart has witnessed significant events. It has evolved through different eras. Let’s explore its past.
Theodor-Heuss-Kaserne was inaugurated in 1917. This followed a three-year construction period. Initially, it housed the I. Abteilung of the Württembergisches Feldartillerie-Regiment “König Karl” Nr. 13. This regiment was demobilized in Stuttgart in December 1918. Later, the headquarters of Nachrichtenabteilung Nr. 5 of the Reichswehr was stationed here.
During World War II, the Theodor-Heuss-Kaserne suffered damage from air raids. Until 1945, it served as the “Funker-Kaserne”. Signal corps units were stationed here.
From 1946 to 1950, the Theodor-Heuss-Kaserne became a DP camp. “DP” stands for Displaced Persons. Over 3,000 displaced people, mainly Armenians, lived here under self-administration. These DPs repaired war damage to the Kaserne. They founded a scout group. They even established a hospital and a theater. A camp police force secured the area. A court system with elected judges was established. Imagine this place bustling with new life after devastation.
In 1973, the “Funker-Kaserne” was renamed “Theodor-Heuss-Kaserne”. During its Bundeswehr usage, it housed Wehrbereichskommando V from 1957. This lasted until its relocation to Sigmaringen in 1994. The MAD-Gruppe V was also located here.
The Theodor-Heuss-Kaserne covers 135,000 square meters. It sits on the eastern edge of Stuttgart’s Bad Cannstatt district. It is near the border with Fellbach. The Nürnberger Straße (L 1193) runs to the north. The Beskidenstraße tram stop (U1/U16) provides city rail access.
Beneath the Theodor-Heuss-Kaserne lie two bunker facilities. The larger one dates back to the late 1960s. The smaller one is older. Both are no longer in operation. What secrets do these bunkers hold?
Today, the Theodor-Heuss-Kaserne is home to the Landeskommando Baden-Württemberg. MAD-Stelle 5 is also located here. Several smaller offices are present as well. In 2015, the Kaserne had a staff of 445.
Theodor-Heuss-Kaserne is more than just a military base. It is a place of transformation. From artillery regiment to DP camp to Bundeswehr headquarters. The Theodor-Heuss-Kaserne reflects Stuttgart’s ever-changing story.